Lt Gen William Bender
Security & Defense Exec | Board Member | USAF CIO | Innovation & Growth | Transformation Leader | Relationship BuilderBill Bender is a seasoned board member, tech industry executive, former USAF CIO, and retired three-star general with extensive expertise in IT, cybersecurity, and governance. As CIO, he oversaw a $17B IT spend and a 54,000-person workforce. At Leidos, he leadership of Government Relations & Customer Account Management supported growth from $10B to $15B. An innovation driver, Bender is also an experienced board member, advisor, and a published writer and speaker.
A prominent and trusted technology leader, Lt Gen (Ret) Bender currently serves on multiple boards including Tangram Flex, GIX, GrammaTech, Anametric, Vislink, AstroNetX, and formerly served as Board Chair for AFCEA International. He is a strategic advisor to numerous startups, public, and privately held AI, data-centric, digital transformation and cybersecurity companies, facilitating key engagements and providing thought leadership.
He held a distinguished career in defense and technology. As SVP at Leidos, he led customer-facing business development, supporting defense, intelligence, civilian, and health sectors. His leadership supported the growth of Leidos’ revenue from under $10B to over $15B. He established a company-wide Account Management program and implemented a Customer Technology Exchange, enhancing government engagement.
Previously, as CIO of the USAF, he spearheaded IT modernization and cybersecurity, establishing the first roles for CISO, CDO, and Chief Innovation Officer within the Department of Defense. He also envisioned a first of its kind initiative to leverage the Silicon Valley entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem, establishing the Air Force Innovation Unit, which led to today’s Defense Innovation Unit with the Office of the Secretary of Defense. He also developed key initiatives like Agile Software Factory and USAF’s Cloud First strategy.
As a USAF officer, he served as Deputy Chief at the Office of Security Cooperation in Baghdad, leading the development and implementation of foreign military sales to Iraq. He served as Commander of the USAF Expeditionary Center and dual-hatted as AMC Numbered Air Force Commander, responsible for all enroute operations of sustainment. He also led communications training and global deployment efforts for 21,000 personnel.
Throughout his distinguished military career, he held multiple global leadership roles including, Director of Warfighting Integration, and as Commander of the 86th Airlift Wing. He has also held key positions on various executive and advisory boards, including AT&T, Leidos, Samsung, Cylance, Symantec, Tanium, Dun & Bradstreet, and Brown University.
Bender is an accomplished speaker and award recipient, recognized for his contributions to information technology and defense. He holds degrees and certifications from prestigious institutions like Harvard Kennedy School, the Center for Creative Leadership, Army War College, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and Manhattan University. Bender has been married for four decades, is a father to two adult children, and enjoys reading, golfing, and cooking. He is a prolific world traveler including an expedition to Antarctica in 2025.